Family support group at Laing House

Think about a time when you were facing a problem and could not figure out how to fix it. The problem is so big that it seems impossible to solve. You don’t know where to begin to ask for help.

Families and friends of those living with mental illness often feel this way. Where can they find information about mental illness and mental wellness? What is the best way to support their loved one while also making sure they take care of themselves? Laing House offers a Family Support Group to help address these needs.

The first Monday of each month the group gathers at Laing House to meet others who are facing the same kinds of struggles.

The meetings focus on education and support. Speakers talk about various aspects of mental illness, including medication, treatment and how to maintain sometimes challenging relationships. In this safe space, supporters learn how to cope with different aspects of mental illness from each other. They meet other people who are supporting an individual with mental illness while taking care of loved ones and accomplishing daily tasks, like getting dinner on the table.

One Family Support Group participant says how helpful the group has been: “Mental illness is so isolating, not just for the patients but for their families. To be able to share these things is a very informative and supportive thing.”

It has also been proven that when families and friends of those living with mental illness have the knowledge, skills and support they need, the person who is unwell spends less time in hospital and is more likely to take their medication as prescribed.

“Families learn to cope by sharing and caring through the Family Support Group,” says a Family Support Group participant.